Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Community Games.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

980 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a request for a meeting from the secretary general of the community games (details supplied); if he will meet the community games organisation, having regard to the serious concern about their future arising from the decision of the Government to acquire Mosney holiday camp to accommodate asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28576/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The directorate for asylum support services which is responsible, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers has entered into an agreement with the proprietor of Mosney holiday centre following an approach by him, for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services for asylum seekers on part of the holiday centre site.

I met representatives of ESB community games on 7 December 2000 to discuss their concerns about the future of the games when I assured them that I would do everything in my power to facilitate their continuation at Mosney. They met subsequently on a number of occasions representatives of the directorate and with the proprietor of Mosney to explore possible options. I am glad to say that, arising from these meetings, agreement has been reached on proposals to hold the games at Mosney and that the games will now take place there.